How To Choose a Foundation Repair Company
Hiring a qualified foundation repair contractor ensures you have someone who will inspect the damage thoroughly and make appropriate fixes. It's important to conduct research beforehand, focusing on the factors listed here.
Experience
Look for a reputable local foundation company with many years of successfully fixing a wide range of foundation problems. Technicians should have up-to-date knowledge of current repair methods and materials. Contact the company to ask how long it’s served your community.
Reputation
Reading online reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, and asking for local references helps verify that a company consistently provides good workmanship and great customer service. Pay attention if you see many complaints about poor service or faulty repairs.
Licensing and Insurance
Choose a company that has the right licenses, bonds, and coverage plans for liability and workers' compensation. Pennsylvania does not require general contractors to hold state-level licensure; however, home improvement contractors need to register with the Attorney General's Office. Don't forget to check with your city or county government to find out if there are local contractor licensing requirements. There may be additional requirements for contractors to do certain work with concrete.
Warranties
Look for a company that provides transferable coverage for a minimum of 10 years, or preferably lifetime guarantees, to back its foundation repairs. This demonstrates faith that its services are top-quality and safeguards you if issues arise in the future.
Questions To Ask Foundation Repair Companies
To compare foundation repair companies, you should ask specific questions such as:
- What guarantees do you provide? Reliable companies typically provide labor and materials warranties of at least 10 years.
- What foundation flaws did you find during inspection that could be causing the issue? The response should have easy-to-understand explanations and solutions. If a provider offers an unclear answer, it may be attempting to bill you for unneeded work.
- What repairs do you recommend for this situation, and why? Your contractor may provide options such as steel piers, wall anchors, and carbon fiber. By asking, you can get an idea of what solutions a company offers and compare between providers.
- Realistically, how long will repairs take to complete? Look for companies that provide reasonable estimates.
- What financing options do you have? Many providers offer payment plans for larger foundation projects.
- Can you provide a cost estimate and project scope in writing? Make sure to get quotes in writing to protect yourself from unexpected costs.
Taking the time to vet foundation repair companies helps homeowners locate the best fit for their needs. A company that can answer the above questions likely delivers long-lasting, quality repairs. Addressing foundation problems right away decreases the risk of future structural damage.
